Ed Cowan said his surprise Saltires debut at Lord's will be one of the highpoints of his career.

The Australian expected to be taking his bow in the FP Trophy opener against Lancashire at the Citylets Grange. However, the New South Wales batsman arrived in London last Friday and is being thrown straight into the side for today's match with an MCC XI.

Cowan said: "I came to London for a couple of days' break before heading up to Scotland and had no idea the Saltires were even playing at Lord's. But they got in touch soon after I arrived and it will be an amazing experience to make my first Saltires appearance at Lord's.

"I play my state cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground which is another venue with loads of history to it. I love the tradition of these places but Lord's is another step up and it will be a real thrill to play there."

Cowan, who will play his club cricket for Uddingston, spent a year at Oxford University in 2003. He added: "I've only ever visited Lord's before but to play there will be something very special. Hopefully, I can get a few runs."

Cowan will open the batting with Fraser Watts in today's game, the first in the UK using the MCC's experimental pink ball.

nTEAMS. Saltires E Cowan, F Watts, Q Sheikh, R Watson (capt), C Smith, N McCallum, M Haq, R Berrington, J Blain, G Rogers, D Nel, G Drummond MCC D Bicknell, C Hollins, D Ward, W House, A Duncan, J Stephenson (capt), J Knappett, M Dennington, J Hamblin, M Patel, J Wightman nCowan's fellow Australian recruit Brett Webber marked his Uddingston debut with a century against Poloc. Webber, drafted in as overseas amateur, hit 105 in a sparkling opening stand of 194 with Scotland U20 international Scott Dalgleish, who stroked 74 as Uddingston posted 233-3 at Shawholm.

Captain Ricky Bawa helped skittle Poloc for just 72 with 5-3 to ensure Uddingston lifted the Eric Lane Memorial Trophy in their traditional curtain-raiser to the season.

nDebutant leg-spinner Mansoor Amjad took three wickets in his only over to propel Pakistan to a 102-run win over Bangladesh in their Twenty20 international. After swamping the visitors 5-0 in the one-day series, Pakistan were again in control, smashing their highest Twenty20 total of 203 for five and then bowling out Bangladesh for 101 in 16 overs.